Van Basten picks 24 players

Team manager Marco van Basten has released the 24 names for the EC qualification matches against Rumania and Slovenia.
Goalie Boy Waterman (AZ), Tim De Cler (Feyenoord and striker Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic) – part of the preliminary 27 – are not needed

Oranje playes Rumania on October 13 in Constanta and October 17 Slovenia in Eindhoven. For the Rumania game Van Basten can’t use Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Mario Melchiot due to suspensions.

The full group

Goal: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax) and Henk Timmer (Feyenoord).

Defense: Khalid Boulahrouz (Sevilla), Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), André Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers), Urby Emanuelson, John Heitinga (Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ), Joris Mathijsen (HSV) and Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic).

Midfield: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Nigel de Jong, Rafael van der Vaart (HSV), Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid) and Demy de Zeeuw (AZ).

Attack : Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuijt (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooij (Real Madrid).

The criticism in Holland on this selection is increasing. Why not Tim De Cler, the man in form? What is Maduro doing in the group? He has only played 3 matches with Ajax recently and can’t claim to be in great shape, as can’t the other Ajax players. Some people sarcastically claim Van Basten selected Emanuelson instead of De Cler to force a resignation from the KNVB so he can replace Ten Cate at Ajax…